H.R.3063 - Rural Hospital Stabilization Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3063, the Rural Hospital Stabilization Act of 2025, aims to provide financial assistance to rural hospitals through grants administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. These grants would support projects to acquire, repair, and upgrade facilities and equipment, as well as cover operational costs like payroll (excluding leadership) and debt payments. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $500,000,000 for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2025.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would provide significant financial relief to rural hospitals, potentially preventing closures and improving access to healthcare in underserved areas. The grants would be subject to application requirements and a maximum aggregate amount of $5,000,000 per hospital over a five-year period. A report to Congress is mandated within 18 months of enactment to assess the program's impact.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to healthcare services in rural communities.
- Financial stabilization for struggling rural hospitals.
- Upgraded facilities and equipment leading to better patient care.
- Potential for job retention and creation in rural healthcare sector.
- Increased economic activity in rural areas due to hospital investments.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inefficient allocation of funds if oversight is inadequate.
- Risk of hospitals becoming overly reliant on federal grants.
- Administrative burden associated with grant applications and reporting.
- Possible displacement of other healthcare priorities due to funding allocation.
- Definition of 'hospital leadership position' could be contentious and lead to loopholes.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to tax and spend for the general welfare, and providing healthcare access to rural communities could be argued as promoting the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).